FREE PRIMARY SCIENCE · Years 5–6 · enrichment

Chemistry detectives

How can evidence explain what materials are made of?

Three complete 45–60 minute inquiries using iPads and projector slides, with equivalent book responses. No science equipment. Students compare reference facts, test patterns and critique models.

3 free lessons · Australian Curriculum v9

Lessons in this topic

Each lesson includes a teacher plan and activities. Check its materials label before teaching.

1. Periodic Table Detectives

   Which clues identify an element reliably?

   Learning focus: Use names, symbols and atomic numbers to solve element mysteries and justify an identification.

   Evidence question: Which element fits each case, and how do we know?

   No materials needed ·

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2. Patterns in the Periodic Table

   Which predictions can a periodic-table pattern support?

   Learning focus: Compare groups and periods, make a cautious prediction, then check reference evidence.

   Evidence question: How useful are our patterns for prediction?

   No materials needed ·

   Read lesson plan → · Open interactive lesson →

3. Elements, Compounds and Mixtures

   Can a particle model explain what a material contains?

   Learning focus: Classify particle models using evidence about atom types, substances and bonding.

   Evidence question: What evidence distinguishes element, compound and mixture?

   No materials needed ·

   Read lesson plan → · Open interactive lesson →

How to use these lessons

Choose a lesson to open its instructions, slides, student activities and printable resources. Browsing is free without an account. Saving class work requires approved teacher access. Curriculum code links are planning aids; teachers should check the current official requirements.

Start with the science question, examine or collect evidence and ask students to explain what the evidence does and does not show. Some lessons need materials and safety preparation, while others use virtual models or printed sources.

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